Absorbent Insulated Beverage Sleeve

ABSTRACT

An absorbent insulated beverage sleeve that is able to provide a moisture absorptive and thermal insulation to a variety of different types of beverage containers. The configuration of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve allows many types of beverage containers to be readily inserted into the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve. More specifically, absorbent insulated beverage sleeve is comprised of two layers of material. The outer layer is an absorbent material and may have a woven textured to aid in grasping the container. The inner layer fabric absorbs the condensation forming on the beverage container and wicks the moisture away from the surface of the beverage container and the lid. The outer layer and inner layer includes a top elastic strip, a bottom elastic strip and lateral edge elastic strip. The outer layer and inner layer may be bonded together by an overlapping seam construction as known in the sewing arts.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a moisture absorbent and insulatorsleeve for variety of different types of beverage container, moreparticularly a reusable sleeve that can expands and stretch to fit anysize beverage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers of cold beverages have been faced with a frustrating problem,that of condensation on the outside of the cup or glass. This isparticularly pronounced with iced beverages. In effect, the glass or cup“sweats” moisture on the external surface of the container. Thismoisture becomes bothersome if the cup is left on furniture, potentiallycreating a ring or water spot. Consumers on the go also face problems.

Condensation buildup on the side of beverages can make it difficult anduncomfortable to grab a drink and take a sip. Additionally, beveragesmay accidentally spill over the sides of the cup or leak out of thestraw, creating a wet, sticky mess on clothes, tables, or othersurrounding objects. Further, people with long hair may often findthemselves out and about without any way to tie their hair back, out oftheir face. A suitable solution is desired.

When coffee, tea, iced tea, and other drinks commonly sold and dispensedin disposable paper cups are carried, in many instances the temperatureof the contents of the cup is such as to create discomfort in the handsand fingers of the holder. In the case of iced drinks condensation onthe outside surface of the cup also wets the hands and fingers of theholder.

More recently, a number of persons have designed and provided disposablesleeves which slip over the outside surface of the drink cup to provideinsulation between the contents of the cup and the hands and fingers ofthe holder. These sleeves take numerous forms and are made of paper.Some also incorporate “corrugation” features to help provide additionalinsulation. However, they only add to the disposable waste material thatmust be recycled or placed in a landfill.

In addition, the cost of many drink sleeves and coasters is often highenough such that it is hard to justify throwing the device away if itbecomes dirty or difficult to store. When drink sleeves and coasters aremade cheap enough to be readily disposable, they typically lacksufficient desirable qualities.

Another drawback with many drink sleeves is that they are relativelybulky in size such that it can be difficult to store the drink sleeveswhen they are not in use. In addition, it is often difficult to placesuch drink sleeves into cup holders. The size of many drink sleevestypically makes it impractical to carry the drink sleeves from onelocation to another (e.g., in a bag or purse).

An example of when a container may be too cold relates to when a personattempts to hold a cold soft drink. Depending on the temperature of thesoft drink, and the temperature and humidity of the ambient air,condensation may form on the container. Condensation is undesirablebecause it will often times drip or flow onto hands, clothes and/orsurfaces. In addition, cold beverages are often subject to rapid warming(e.g., on a hot summer day) such that the beverage quickly becomes lessrefreshing.

The typical automobile, boat, bus, light truck, tractor-trailer, or vantypically comes equipped with at least one integrated beverage holder.Usually, this beverage holder is molded into the material of thedashboard, center console, door, or the like. Repeated use of thebeverage holder to hold a beverage leaves a variety of residues in theholder, including spilt beverage, condensation, and the like. Over time,the buildup of such residue may lead to mold development, as well asbeing a gathering point for lint, paper, or other debris common tomoving vehicles.

Many people enjoy drinking beverages. The present invention absorbsexcess moisture on a beverage cup and soaks up spilled liquid from thestraw. This prevents condensation or liquid from dripping down ontopeople's clothes, making a mess. It saves a considerable amount of timeand frustration. This further eliminates the need to constantly wipedown a beverage to prevent it from dripping. The present inventiondoubles as an ultra-convenient hair tie when not in use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an absorbent insulated beverage sleevethat is able to provide a moisture absorptive and thermal insulation toa variety of different types of beverage containers. The configurationof the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve allows many types of beveragecontainers to be readily inserted into the absorbent insulated beveragesleeve. In addition, the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve provides amore enjoyable and less messy way to sip on beverages.

More particularly, the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve may besemi-durable but still manufactured relatively cheaply so that theabsorbent insulated beverage sleeve may be reused if desired or readilyreplaced if the think absorbent insulated beverage sleeve becomes dirtyor is lost.

One object of the present invention is the material can be offered in awide range of colors, designs, and patterns to accommodate userpreferences.

Another object of the present invention is one or more of the firstlayer, the second layer and the tab may be formed of an elastic materialthat is able to stretch to greater than 20 percent of an original lengthin every direction and then be able to recover at least 50 percent ofthe elastic deformation. Forming one or more of the first layer, thesecond layer and the tab of an elastic material may facilitate placingthe absorbent insulated beverage sleeve onto a variety of types ofbeverage containers.

A further object is to provide an absorbent insulated beverage sleeveincluding a body. The body of the self-absorbent sleeve includes atleast one layer of at least absorbent rigid material and an exteriorsurface. The body is characterized by an exterior diameter thatsubstantially corresponds to an interior diameter of an associatedbeverage cup. The associated beverage cup is at least one of a pluralityof different sized associated beverage cups, and includes an interiorsurface. The body of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve is adaptedfor being removably inserted into an associated beverage cups such thata non-adhesive contact is enabled between at least a part of the bottomof the exterior surface of the body and a respective part of an interiorsurface of an associated beverage cup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeveshowing the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve position around abeverage cup according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the absorbent insulated beverage sleevein accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeveof FIG. 1, showing the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve unfoldedaround a beverage cup according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve ofFIG. 2, in an unfolded configuration according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of absorbent insulated beverage sleeve ofFIG. 2, showing a number of layers of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a close up detail view absorbent insulated beverage sleeve ina assembled condition, according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7, is a top view of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve,showing one embodiment of a layered construction of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of absorbent insulated beverage sleeveaccording to another illustrated embodiment, in use on a beveragecontainer.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeveaccording to another illustrated embodiment, providing an example of adifferent type of beverage container

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the present invention in a storageconfiguration in accordance with various embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part ofthis application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a beverage containerand absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10. The absorbent insulatedbeverage sleeve 10 encircles the beverage container 20. The absorbentinsulated beverage sleeve 10 is sized to accept standard beveragecontainer of the type typically used for iced or cold beverages.Different sizes, having different diameters may be available for thevarious sized of beverage container. The absorbent insulated beveragesleeve 10 is cylindrical and is sized and placed where a consumer wouldnormally grasp the container and just covering the beverage lid 21. Theabsorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 includes means for absorption ofcondensation on an outer layer 24 and means for absorption ofcondensation on an inner layer 23. The means for absorption ofcondensation on an inner layer 23 attached to the means fornon-absorption on an outer layer 24 and formed into a cylinder, thecylinder placed over an exterior surface of the beverage cup wherein theinner layer 23 is in contact with the exterior surface of the beveragecontainer 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates the formed and ready for use absorbent insulatedbeverage sleeve 10 before applying to a beverage container. The ends areover lapped, as shown at item 22. The inner layer 23 placed against thebeverage container surface, while outer layer 24 faces outward. Moreparticularly, the invention resides in the stiffening elastic band 29 onthe top portion of the Inner layer 23 wall that holds the absorbentinsulated beverage sleeve 10 in an open position so that a beverage cupmay be inserted. Wherein the top end 26 of the absorbent insulatedbeverage sleeve 10 is moved outwardly by the elastic action of theelastic strip 29 of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 to detachfrom the top of the beverage container body so that a user can use thebeverage container body. An alternative use for the absorbent insulatedbeverage sleeve 10 of this embodiment is to attach the absorbentinsulated beverage sleeve 10 to the consumer, for example, as a ponytailholder, bracelet or anklet.

as shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 innerlayer 23 is an absorbent material and may be reusable. Inner layer 23absorbs the condensation forming on the beverage container 20 and wicksthe moisture away from the surface of the beverage container 20 and thebeverage lid 21. This material retains the condensation and inconjunction with outer layer 24 allows the user to hold the beveragewithout being troubled by the condensing moisture.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 is a front view illustrates theabsorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 in unassembled or flat condition.The absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 is comprised of two layers ofmaterial. The outer layer 24 is in contact with the consumer's hand.Outer layer 24 is an absorbent material and may have a woven textured toaid in grasping the container. The outer layer 24 includes a top end 26,a bottom end 27 and lateral edges 28. The inner layer 23 also includes atop end, a bottom end and lateral edges. The outer layer 24 and innerlayer (not Shown) may be bonded together by an overlapping seamconstruction 25 as known in the sewing arts. The absorbent insulatedbeverage sleeve 10 includes an elastic band 29 that extends between thetop end 26 of the first layer and the top end of the second layer bondedtogether by a single sided seam 30 that may include a raw edge.

As Shown in FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the absorbent insulatedbeverage sleeve 10 showing the relationship between components includinga 100% polyester, woven, oxford fabric outer layer 24, elastic band 29,100% french terry cloth inner layer 23, draw string 31 with anoverlapping 100% polyester, woven, oxford fabric 32.

FIG. 6 is a close up detail view absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10,as shown cut to the desired height and are formed into hollow cylinderswith the over lapped lateral edges 28 bonded together. The ends of theabsorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 may also be fastened withdrawstring enclosure seam 34 in lieu of overlapping seam construction 25including a drawstring 31 with a cord lock 33 attached. An extension ofthe outer layer 24 may also allow for an overlap, with the bottom ends27 of inner layer 23 butted together.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, is a top view of the absorbentinsulated beverage sleeve 10, showing one embodiment of a layeredconstruction of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10. Oneembodiment of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 comprises anouter layer 24 fabric. Fabric for the outer layer 24 may include 100%polyester, woven, oxford fabric and/or 100% French cotton terry cloth orany other suitable fabric. The fabric may be patterned, plain ortextured. A middle layer 35 is sandwiched between the outer layer 24 andan inner layer 23, and is preferably an elastic strip 29 layer toprovide additional elastic action to the user. The inner layer 23 mayinclude cotton, silks, velvet, wool, fleece, neoprene, or other suitableinsulating fabric. Alternative embodiments include more or less than thethree layers 23, 24, 35 illustrated in FIG. 7.

As best shown in FIG. 8 absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 may beformed of an elastic material that is able to stretch to greater than 20percent of an original length in every direction and then be able torecover at least 50 percent of the elastic deformation. The absorbentinsulated beverage sleeve 10 may be any desired height but willtypically be less than the height of the beverage container 20 theabsorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 onto variety types of beveragecontainers.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the absorbent insulated beverage sleeve10 referring to FIG. 8 providing an example of a different type ofbeverage container, a bottle 36 with the absorbent insulated beveragesleeve 10 attached.

In some embodiments, absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 can becompactly rolled or folded for storage into a compact configuration.FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the storage tote bag 37,comprising a drawstring 31 with a cord lock 33 extending there through.The drawstring 31 provides a securing mechanism for wrapping around therolled or folded absorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10 when storing theabsorbent insulated beverage sleeve 10. Alternatively, the absorbentinsulated beverage sleeve 10 may employ an elastic strip in place of thedrawing string and cord lock. An alternative fastening device may beused, such as a carabiner clip 38 for easy of storages of the presentinvention.

1. A absorbent insulated beverage sleeve comprising: A) Amoisture-absorbent, machine washable fabric that feature loops and softpiles of yarn on one side, and a smooth, soft surface on the other side.B) An apparatus with one or more layers of absorbent fabric materialthat formed of an elastic material that is able to stretch to greaterthan 20 percent of an original length in every direction and then beable to recover at least 50 percent of the elastic deformation. C) Aninner layer of absorbent fabric material attached to the outer layer ofabsorbent fabric material having the outer layer and the inner layerattached to the outer layer formed into a cylindrical shape and endssecured.
 2. The apparatus includes at least one layer of absorbentfabric material, wherein the body is characterized by an exteriordiameter that generally complies with an interior diameter of anassociated beverage holder, which associated beverage holder is at leastone of a plurality of different sized associated beverage holders. 3.The absorbent insulated beverage can be stretched around a lid to catchany leaks or spills or pulled down around the sides of a cup to absorbcondensation.
 4. The absorbent insulated beverage sleeve can alsofunctions as a thermal insulator for hot and cold drinks and also firmlysecures the lid, preventing it from popping off while drinking ortransporting a beverage or if it was not installed properly.